Criteria for Evaluating Blocks B1, B2, B3 Natural Sciences GE Course Proposals
In general, course proposals for courses submitted as satisfying specific general education requirements must provide:
- Clear evidence that student learning outcomes specific to the block or GE requirement are being taught and assessed
- Course content in outline that demonstrates adequate time devoted to teaching and assessing the outcomes
- Evidence of specific training, currency and/or experience in the basic intellectual and pedagogic competencies in the specific block or designated area
GE Governing Principles
Proposal clearly demonstrates that the course
- Requires the practice and evaluation of writing in English, including, where appropriate, library assignments
- Provides ample opportunity for students to be active learners in their educational experience
- Does not require a non-General Education prerequisite
If the response to any of the GE governing principles above is No, the course will be returned unapproved.
Block or GE Requirement Student Learning Outcomes
Proposal clearly demonstrates that student learning outcomes are being taught and assessed sufficiently
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of scientific inquiry (i.e., the “scientific method”), the nature of science, the potential limits of scientific endeavors, and the value systems and ethics associated with scientific inquiry.
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic scientific principles as they apply to broader concepts (e.g., global climate change, the spread of infectious diseases, etc.), including historical developments of the disciplines and major contributions from various cultures of the world.
- Evaluate the credibility of sources of scientific information.
- Draw appropriate conclusions based on the analysis of qualitative and quantitative empirical data.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the value of science in developing a rigorous understanding of the natural world and of the impact of science on societal, environmental, political, economic, and/or technological contexts.
- Students successfully completing a science laboratory will be able to demonstrate hands-on skills applying specialized methods and tools of scientific inquiry (such as collecting, analyzing, and interpreting the data, presenting the findings, and using the information to answer questions).
Students successfully completing B3 Interdisciplinary Physical-Biological Science will be able to, in addition to the above outcomes,
- Explain that the natural sciences are integrated.
- Describe elements of the natural sciences that are common to both the physical and the biological sciences.
- Demonstrate through examples that many of today’s problems require an interdisciplinary approach for resolution.
Implementation and Assessment
Proposal or supplemental materials provide evidence of
- Specific training, currency and/or experience in the basic intellectual and pedagogic competencies in the specific block or designated area